I find they'll always be cheaper online, but you also get what you pay for. I bought a set of 'genuine' Mk2 Megane wiper blades (head and attachments) online and they only lasted two years before they disintegrated.

I got a new set of wipers, blade and head, for my Latitude when it was in for it's 40,000km service and I was charged $180.00 for them by the dealer and when I saw them on the car, they were very similar to the aftermarket ones you could buy at your local Auto Sprints or online for a lot less. I told them to take them back and I'd find my own. I thought they would've been the genuine set for the Latitude at that price, but not so.

I bought some Tridon blades at my local parts place for the C5, and they not only matched the originals in appearance and clips, but the same Valeo part number was moulded onto them. The price was way under the dealer. The catalogue is online.

ebay.uk .... wiper blades are very cheap. They shouldn't work any better than older wipers.... its about being pedestrian friendly. You don't want to hurt the poeple you run down with your wiper blades after all (seriously, that is what this BS is abouut)

modern wipers don't seem to be any better than their ancient counterparts - particularly if you're unfortunate enough to not notice that you have picked up a silicon blade. In my experience the modern marvel material leaves greasy streaks everywhere. We were spoilt with froggies in the old days anyway, the OEM French rubbers were much better than the local stuff...

The Latitude ones have a solid plastic backing with no visible springs, the product looks good. Assuming the plastic puts in a full season without falling to bits I'll be quite happy, they were only $20 a pair after all, and have RUBBER blades...